Male luer valve

ABSTRACT

A valve that has at least one internal port on a valve core and at least one an internal slot in a valve body. The valve core is biased into a position wherein the port of the valve core is aligned with a sealing surface of the valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through the valve. The valve core is slidable such that the port of the valve core becomes aligned with the internal slot of the valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve. Another valve includes a self-aligning valve seat carrier which is pivotably engaged with a valve core member. The self-aligning valve seat carrier engages a sealing surface in a valve body to prohibit fluid flow through the valve, but the valve core is slidable such that the self-aligning valve seat carrier disengages from the sealing surface in order to allow fluid flow through the valve.

RELATED APPLICATION (PRIORITY CLAIM)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/327,817, filed Oct. 9, 2001.

BACKGROUND

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/261,375, filed on Oct. 1, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,745.

This invention generally relates to valves such as luer lock valves which are used primarily in the medical field, and more specifically relates to a slidable type of valve used primarily in the medical field.

Slidable valves presently exist for use in the medical field. Such valves provide that the valve is initially biased into a closed position, where fluid cannot flow through the valve, and one or more internal components of the valve are slidable within the valve to actuate the valve into an open position, where fluid can flow through the valve.

One type of medical valve is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,354, and is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present application. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the valve 10 in the closed position (wherein fluid cannot flow through the valve), and FIG. 2 shows the valve 10 in the open position (wherein fluid can flow through the valve). The valve 10 includes a valve body 12, a valve poppet 14 with luer taper (with sealing member 16 thereon), an internal resilient valve stem 18, a metal compression spring 20 and a valve plug 22, all of which are within the flow path of fluid moving through the valve (the arrows 24 shown in FIG. 2 illustrate the fluid flow path (in one of two possible directions) through the valve 10). The valve stem 18 may include flutes or ribs on an external surface 26 thereof to facilitate fluid flow around the stem 18 when the valve 10 is in the open position.

In use, engagement or mating structure 28, such as a syringe, another valve or some other structure, engages the valve poppet 14, pushing it generally into the valve body 12 causing the valve 10 to move from the closed position as shown in FIG. 1 to the open position as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, when the valve 10 is in the open position, the valve stem 18 is disengaged from a valve seat 30 in the valve 10. This provides that fluid can ultimately flow from a bore 32 provided in the valve poppet 14 to an area 34 adjacent the periphery of the valve stem 18, or vice versa if the fluid is flowing in the opposite direction.

In the case where the fluid flows from left-to-right in FIG. 2, fluid initially enters the bore 32 in the valve poppet 14 (i.e. from the mating structure 28), and travels to a notch 36 in the valve poppet 14 (and/or to a notch (not shown) in surface 38 of the valve stem 18). The valve stem 18 deflects the fluid to an area 34 adjacent the periphery of the valve stem 18, and the fluid flows along the external surface 26 of the valve stem 18 (and along the ribs, if provided, on the external surface 26 of the valve stem 18), past the valve seat 30, along the compression spring 20, and out the plug 22, and specifically between fins of the plug 22 and out the valve 10. In the opposite direction, fluid flows into the plug 22 of the valve 10, along the compression spring 20, past the valve seat 30, along the periphery of the valve stem 18 (and along the ribs, if provided, on the external surface 26 of the valve stem 18), to the notch 36 in the valve poppet 14 (and/or to a notch (not shown) in surface 38 of the valve stem 18), and through the bore 32 in the valve poppet 14 to the mating structure 28.

The overall design of the valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2—being that there are so many components in the fluid flow path—results in substantial restriction to fluid flow through the valve 10. As a result, the valve 10 cannot effectively conduct fluids having viscosities of 1.0 to 1.5 centipoise and above. Additionally, the design provides that there are numerous cavities or “dead areas” for entrapment of fluid within the valve 10. The existence of dead areas, and the fact that there so many components in the fluid flow path, creates turbulence in the fluid flow as the fluid flows through the valve 10. The turbulence renders the valve 10 a poor candidate for transmitting human blood, blood products, or any other material which is sensitive to turbulence. With regard to blood, concerns of lycing (i.e. damage to blood cells) and retention of clotted blood within the valve 10 gives rise to problems with possible infusion of thrombolotics or fibrous re-injection into a patient. The low viscosity conduction limits of the valve design shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 restrict its utilization for high viscosity materials, thus limiting broader employment of the valve in a clinical environment.

Furthermore, the design shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 provides that while the valve poppet 14 is installed through the one end 40 of the valve 10, the other components (i.e. the valve stem 18, compression spring 20, and plug 22) are installed through the other end 42. This complicates and increases the cost of the assembly process.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

A general object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a valve which has increased flow rate and an unobstructed fluid flow path.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a valve which has fewer components within the fluid flow path.

Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a valve which causes less turbulence to the fluid flow.

Still yet another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a valve which minimizes the residual volume (i.e. “dead areas”) contributing to fluid entrapment.

Still yet another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method of assembling a valve wherein components are installed through one end of a valve body, but not the other.

Briefly, and in accordance with at least one of the foregoing objects, an embodiment of the present invention provides a valve that has at least one internal port which aligns with an internal slot to permit fluid flow. Specifically, the valve includes a valve body that has a sealing surface and at least one internal slot. A valve core is disposed in the valve body, and the valve core includes at least one port. Spring means is engaged with the valve body and valve core, and the spring means biases the valve core into a closed position wherein the port of the valve core is aligned with the sealing surface of the valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through the valve. The valve core is slidable within the valve body such that the valve is actuated into an open position wherein the port of the valve core becomes aligned with the internal slot of the valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve. Preferably, at least one end of the valve is configured for a luer lock fitting.

A bore extends through the valve core, along a longitudinal axis thereof, and the bore defines a fluid flow area. The one or more ports on the valve core which align with the sealing surface of the valve body when the valve is in the closed position and with the one or more slots in the valve body when the valve is in the open position consists of one or more openings in a wall of the valve core. The valve body also includes a fluid flow area. Hence, a fluid flow path through the valve is defined by the fluid flow area defined through the valve core (i.e. the bore and the one or more ports) and the fluid flow area of the valve body. The spring means is generally between the valve body and valve core, but is not within the fluid flow path through the valve.

Preferably, each slot in the valve body is larger than each respective port of the valve core, and each port of the valve core is larger than a cross-sectional diameter of the bore which extends through the valve core. Preferably, the valve core includes two ports and the valve body includes two corresponding slots which align with each other when the valve core slides within the valve body to the open position. The ports of the valve core and the slots of the valve body are preferably 180 degrees apart relative to each other.

Preferably, a first sealing member and a second sealing member are disposed on the valve core, where the first sealing member engages the sealing surface of the valve body whether the valve core is in the open or the closed position, and the second sealing member engages with the sealing surface of the valve body when the valve core is in the closed position, but disengages from the sealing surface of the valve body when the valve core is in the open position. The valve core may include at least one barb which abuts against an internal surface of the valve body when the valve core is biased into the closed position by the spring means. Preferably, the valve body includes a pocket, the valve core includes a shoulder, and the spring means is disposed in the pocket of the valve body and engages the shoulder of the valve core. Again, preferably the spring means is generally between the valve body and valve core, but is not within the fluid flow path through the valve. As an alternative to the sealing members, a resilient material may be over-molded or co-injected on the valve core to enhance the seal with the structure which is engaged with the valve and to enhance the seal between the valve core and valve body.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a valve that includes a self-aligning valve seat carrier which is pivotably or adjustably engaged with a valve core member. Specifically, the valve includes a valve body which includes a sealing surface, and the valve core is disposed in the valve body. The self-aligning valve seat carrier also includes a sealing surface. Spring means is engaged with the valve body and the valve core, and the spring means biases the valve core into a closed position wherein the sealing surface of the self-aligning valve seat carrier engages the sealing surface of the valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through the valve. The valve core is slidable within the valve body such that the valve is actuated to an open position wherein the sealing surface of the self-aligning valve seat carrier disengages from the sealing surface of the valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve.

The self-aligning valve seat carrier may take several different configurations. For example, the self-aligning valve seat carrier may include a pair of arms which engage corresponding recessed grooves proximate the end of the valve core, may include a ball which engages a corresponding socket on the valve core, or may include a barb which engages corresponding structure on an end of the valve core. A sealing member may be disposed on the valve seat carrier, or a sealing material may be co-injected or over-molded onto the exterior surface thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of assembling a valve. The method includes installing a plurality of components through one end of a valve body, and installing no components through an opposite end of the valve body. Hence, the assembly process is simplified and less costly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of the valve which is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,354, showing the valve in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the valve in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a valve which is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the valve in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the valve in an open position;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the valve shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating that the valve is assembled from a distal end of the valve body;

FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of a valve which is in accordance with an another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a set of views relating to a valve which is in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention, specifically there are three side, cross-sectional views—a top-most partial cross-sectional view showing the valve in the closed position, a middle partial cross-sectional view showing the valve in the open position, and a bottom-most partial cross-sectional view showing pivoting of a self-aligning valve seat carrier of the valve—as well as a plan view of the bottom of a valve core of the valve with the valve seat carrier removed;

FIG. 8 is a set of views similar to FIG. 7, but relating to a valve which is in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a set of views similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, but relating to a valve which is in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

While the present invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

Several different valves are shown in FIGS. 3-9. A valve 100 a which is in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3-5, a valve 100 b which is in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, a valve 100 c which is in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7, a valve 100 d which is in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, and a valve 100 e which is in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.

Each of the valves shown in FIGS. 3-9 provides that fewer components are within the fluid flow path. As a result, each valve provides increased flow rate, a relatively unobstructed fluid flow path, and less turbulent fluid flow. Additionally, each valve minimizes the residual volume (i.e. “dead areas”) contributing to fluid entrapment, and each provides enhanced backpressure tolerance when the valve is in the closed position. Additionally, the valves are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Specifically, the valves shown in FIGS. 3-6 provide that assembly can be performed solely through one end of the valve body, as opposed to some components having to be installed through one end of the valve body and other components of the valve having to be installed through the other end of the valve body during the assembly process.

The valve 100 a shown in FIGS. 3-5 will be described first and then the differences between the other valves 100 b-100 e and the valve 100 a shown in FIGS. 3-5 will be described. The valve 100 a shown in FIGS. 3-5 includes a valve core 102 a, a pair of sealing members 104 a, 106 a which are disposed on the valve core 102 a, a valve body 108 a, and spring means 110 a which is disposed in the valve body 108 a, generally between the valve core 102 a and the valve body 108 a. The valve core 102 a and valve body 108 a are preferably made of plastic, while the sealing members 104 a, 106 a are preferably made of rubber or silicone, and the spring means 110 a is preferably made of metal.

As shown, the valve body 108 a is a generally hollow, cylindrical component having a central throughbore 112 a. The valve body 108 a may be made of, for example, clear plastic. The valve body 108 a has a distal end 114 a as well as a proximal end 116 a which is generally opposite the distal end 114 a. As shown in FIG. 5, both the valve core 102 a (including the sealing members 104 a, 106 a which are disposed thereon) and the spring means 110 a are installed through the distal end 114 a of the valve body 108 a to assemble the valve 100 a.

The distal end 114 a of the valve body is preferably configured for a male luer fitting. Specifically, the valve body 108 a preferably includes threading 118 a at the distal end 114 a for engagement with corresponding mating structure 120 (see FIG. 4), such as a syringe, another valve, or some other structure, in a luer lock arrangement.

The valve body 108 a includes a main body wall 122 a which effectively defines the external surface of the valve 100 a, and internal walls 124 a which are connected to the main body wall 122 a. As will be described more fully later herein, the internal walls 124 a define sealing surfaces 126 a which cooperate with ports 130 a on the valve core 102 a to prevent fluid flow through the valve 100 a.

The internal walls 124 a of the valve body 108 a and the main body wall 122 a of the valve body 108 a define a pocket 132 a, and the spring means 110 a is disposed in the pocket 132 a. Specifically, the spring means 110 a is preferably a metal compression spring which has one end disposed in the pocket 132 a in the valve body 108 a and has an opposite end contactably engaged with a shoulder 134 a on the valve core 102 a. The end 135 a of the valve core 102 a preferably includes barbs 136 a, or some other suitable structure, for generally retaining the valve core 102 a in the valve body 108 a, and preventing the valve core 102 a from being pushed completely out of the valve body 108 a by the compression spring 110 a (via contactable engagement with internal surface 138 a of the valve body 108 a—see FIG. 3). Additionally, the barbs 136 a provide that the valve core 102 a can be snapped into the valve body 108 a through the distal end 114 a during assembly (see FIG. 5).

The valve core 102 a is a generally hollow, cylindrical member having a central throughbore 140 a. The central throughbore 140 a extends along a longitudinal axis 142 a of the valve core 102 a and defines a fluid flow area. The valve core 102 a includes a forward portion 144 a, middle portion 146 a which provides shoulder 134 a, and a rearward portion 148 a. Consistent with the configuration of the distal end 114 a of the valve body 108 a, the forward portion 144 a of the valve core 102 a preferably has a male luer taper to facilitate the luer lock engagement with the corresponding mating structure. Specifically, preferably the forward portion 144 a of the valve core 102 a has a standard ANSI/ISO luer configuration. The middle portion 146 a of the valve core 102 a (which provides shoulder 134 a) contactably engages an internal surface 150 a of the valve body 108 a and is disposed between the forward (144 a) and rearward (148 a) portions of the valve core 102 a. As shown in FIG. 4, when mating structure 120, such as a syringe, another valve, or some other structure is engaged with the valve 100 a, the structure 120 pushably engages the middle portion 146 a of the valve core 102 a causing the valve core 102 a to translate or slide relative to the valve body 108 a which causes the compression spring 110 a to compress and the valve 100 a to actuate into the open position as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the valve core 102 a includes a pair of ports 130 a on the rearward portion 148 a of the valve core 102 a. The ports 130 a are effectively openings through the surface of the valve core 102 a, in communication with the central throughbore 140 a (and the fluid flow area defined thereby). Preferably, the ports 130 a on the valve core 102 a are 180 degrees apart relative to each other along the external circumferential surface of the rearward portion 148 a of the valve core 102 a.

The valve 100 a shown in FIGS. 3-5 provides that there are a pair of sealing members 104 a, 106 a disposed on the valve core 102 a proximate the ports 130 a on the valve core 102 a. The sealing members 104 a, 106 a may comprise o-rings. Specifically, one sealing member 104 a is disposed on the valve core 102 a between the ports 130 a and the middle portion 146 a of the valve core 102 a, and another sealing member 106 a is disposed on the valve core 102 a between the ports 130 a and the end 135 a of the valve core 102 a. As shown in FIG. 5, glands 151 a are preferably provided on the external surface of the valve core 102 a for seating the sealing members 104 a, 106 a on the valve core 102 a.

The valve 100 a is configured such that the one sealing member 104 a always remains engaged with the sealing surfaces 126 a in the valve 100 a which are provided by the internal walls 124 a of the valve body 108 a regardless of whether the valve 100 a is in the closed (see FIG. 3) or open (see FIG. 4) position. Sealing member 104 a prevents fluid from leaking into the area in which the spring 110 a is located, and does so regardless of whether the valve 100 a is in the closed (see FIG. 3) or open (see FIG. 4) position. The valve 100 a is configured such that the other sealing member 106 a is engaged with the sealing surfaces 126 a when the valve 100 a is in the closed position (see FIG. 3), but becomes disengaged therefrom when the valve 100 a is actuated into the open position (see FIG. 4). Hence, the sealing member 106 a prevents fluid communication between the valve ports 130 a and a fluid flow area 152 a of the valve body 108 a when the valve 100 a is in the closed (see FIG. 3) position.

Additionally, the valve 100 a is configured such that the ports 130 a on the valve core 102 a align with the sealing surfaces 126 a in the valve 100 a when the valve 100 a is in the closed position (see FIG. 3), but move out of alignment with the sealing surfaces 126 a when the valve 100 a is actuated into the open position (see FIG. 4).

The valve body 108 a includes internal slots 154 a which correspond with the ports 130 a in the valve core 102 a, and fluid flow area 152 a of the valve body 108 a is adjacent-the slots 154 a. Preferably, each of the slots 154 a in the valve body 108 a is larger than each of the respective ports 130 a of the valve core 102 a, and each of the ports 130 a of the valve core 102 a is larger than a cross-sectional diameter 156 a of the central throughbore 140 a which extends through the valve core 102 a. This limits the fluid flow only to that permitted by the inside diameter 156 a of the standard ANSI/ISO luer configuration, which comprises the distal end 114 a of the valve core 102 a.

The valve core 102 a also includes a seal surface 160 a on its rearward portion 148 a which effectively seals off the slots 154 a on the valve body 108 a when the valve 100 a is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 3. However, when the valve 100 a is actuated into the open position (see FIG. 4), the ports 130 a of the valve core 102 a move out of alignment with the sealing surfaces 126 a of the valve 100 a and into alignment with the corresponding slots 154 a in the valve body 108 a, thereby defining a fluid flow path through the valve 100 a (one possible fluid flow direction is represented by arrows 162 a shown in FIG. 4). Specifically, in a direction from left-to-right in FIG. 4, the fluid flow path is: into the throughbore 140 a in the valve core 102 a, through the ports 130 a in the valve core 102 a, through the corresponding slots 154 a in the valve body 108 a, into the fluid flow area 152 a of the valve body 108 a and out the end 162 a of the valve 100 a. In the other direction, i.e. in a direction from right-to-left in FIG. 4, the fluid flow path is: into the end 162 a of the valve 100 a, through the slots 154 a in the valve body 108 a, through the ports 130 a in the valve core 102 a, and along (and out) the throughbore 140 a in the valve core 102 a.

Before mating structure 120, such as a syringe, another valve, or some other structure is engaged with the valve 100 a, the valve 100 a is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 3. In the closed position, the valve core 102 a is biased into the closed position by the spring means 110 a, the ports 130 a in the valve core 102 a are aligned with the sealing surfaces 126 a in the valve body 108 a, and both sealing members 104 a, 106 a on the valve core 102 a sealingly engage the sealing surfaces 126 a, thereby preventing fluid flow between the central throughbore 140 a in the valve core 102 a and the fluid flow area 152 a in the valve body 108 a. When mating structure 120 engages the valve 100 a, the mating structure 120 pushes the valve core 102 a into the valve body 108 a, causing the valve 100 a to be actuated into the open position as shown in FIG. 4. In the open position, the spring 110 a is compressed, the ports 130 a in the valve core 102 a are aligned with the corresponding slots 154 a in the valve body 108 a, and only sealing member 104 a on the valve core 102 a remains sealingly engaged with the sealing surfaces 126 a. Hence, fluid flow is permitted between the central throughbore 140 a in the valve core 102 a and the fluid flow area 152 a in the valve body 108 a.

The valve 100 b shown in FIG. 6 is very similar to that shown in FIGS. 3-5, and includes a valve core 102 b, a valve body 108 b and a spring means 110 b very much like the valve 100 a shown in FIGS. 3-5. However, instead of providing that two sealing members, such as o-rings, are disposed on the valve core, the valve 100 b shown in FIG. 6 provides that a sealing material 104 b is co-injected or over-molded onto the exterior surface of the valve core 102 b, on the forward 144 b and rearward 148 b portions. Functionally, the sealing material 104 b which is on the rearward portion 148 b of the valve core 100 b performs the same function as the sealing members 104 a, 106 a shown in FIGS. 3-5. The sealing material 104 b which is on the forward portion 144 b of the valve core 102 b works to provide a seal between the mating structure 120 and the valve core 102 b. The sealing material 104 b which is co-injected or over-molded onto the exterior surface of the valve core 102 b may consist of a rigid substrate material with a different resilient outer surface material shell. The employment of co-injection or over-molding for the valve core 104 b eliminates the requirement of o-ring seals in the design (see FIGS. 3-5) and further reduces the component part count.

The valves 100 c, 100 d, 100 e shown in FIGS. 7-9 are similar to that shown in FIGS. 3-6, and each includes a valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e, valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e and spring means 110 c, 110 d (valve 100 e also includes spring means much like the other valves 100 a-100 d, but the spring means is not specifically shown). However, unlike the valves 100 a, 100 b shown in FIGS. 3-6, each of the valves 100 c, 100 d, 100 e shown in FIGS. 7-9 includes a self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e which is pivotably engaged (see the bottom-most cross-sectional view of FIGS. 7-9) with the valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e. The valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e of each of the valves 100 c, 100 d, 100 e includes a sealing surface 126 c, 126 d, 126 e which, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, may consist of an inclined surface which is inside the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e. The self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e also includes a sealing surface 202 c, 202 d, 202 e provided by, for example, a sealing member which is disposed thereon.

The spring means 110 c, 110 d of each valve is engaged with the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e and the valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e, and the spring means 110 c, 110 d biases the valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e into a closed position (see the top-most cross-sectional view of each of FIGS. 7-9) wherein the sealing surface 202 c, 202 d, 202 e of the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e engages the sealing surface 126 c, 126 d, 126 e of the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e, thereby prohibiting fluid flow through the valve 100 c, 100 d, 100 e.

When mating structure 120 engages the valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e, the valve core 102 c, 102 d, 102 e slides within the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e such that the valve 100 c, 100 d, 100 e is actuated to an open position (see the middle cross-sectional view of each of FIGS. 7-9) wherein the sealing surface 202 c, 202 d, 202 e on the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e disengages from the sealing surface 126 c, 126 d, 126 e of the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve 100 c, 100 d, 100 e (as represented by arrows 206 c, 206 d, 206 e). In the valve 100 c shown in FIG. 7, the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c preferably includes a hollow portion 210 c that terminates in one or more openings 212 c that allows fluid to flow through the valve seat carrier 200 c. In the other valves 100 d, 100 e, the bottom 214 d, 214 e of the valve core 102 d, 102 e provides openings 216 d, 216 e which allow fluid flow between fingers 218 d, 218 e.

The self-aligning valve seat carrier may take several different configurations. For example, in the valve 100 c shown in FIG. 7, the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 c includes a pair of arms 220 c which engage corresponding recessed grooves 222 c proximate the bottom 214 c of the valve core 102 c. The sealing member 202 c which is disposed on the valve seat carrier 200 c may consist of an o-ring. Alternatively, a sealing material may be co-injected or over-molded onto the exterior surface of the valve seat carrier.

In the valve 100 d shown in FIG. 8, the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 d includes a ball 230 d which engages a corresponding socket 232 d on the valve core 102 d, wherein the socket 232 d is provided via the four fingers 218 d which are at the bottom 214 d of the valve core 102 d (see the bottom-most view of FIG. 8). In the valve shown in FIG. 9, the self-aligning valve seat carrier 200 e includes a barb 230 e which engages corresponding structure 232 e on the end 214 e of the valve core 102 e, wherein the corresponding structure 232 e is provided via the four fingers 218 e which are at the bottom 214 e of the valve core 102 e (see the bottom-most view of FIG. 9). The sealing member 202 d, 202 e which is disposed on each of the valve seat carriers 200 d, 200 e shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may consist of an attached resilient seal material, wherein an additional seal is preferably provided at the valve carrier 200 d, 200 e/valve body 108 d, 108 d interface. Alternatively, a sealing material may be co-injected or over-molded onto the exterior surface of the valve seat carrier 200 d, 200 e in each of the valves 100 d, 100 e shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Regardless, the fact that each valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e is pivotable and self-aligning provides that each valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e can articulate (as shown in the bottom-most cross-sectional view of each of FIGS. 7-9), and an enhanced seal is achieved between the sealing surface 126 c, 126 d, 126 e of the valve body 108 c, 108 d, 108 e and the valve seat carrier 200 c, 200 d, 200 e when the valve 100 c, 100 d, 100 e is in the closed position (the top-most cross-sectional view of each of FIGS. 7-9).

The bottom 214 c, 214 d, 214 e of each of the valve cores 102 c, 102 d, 102 e is shown in the bottom view of each of FIGS. 7-9. As shown, each of the valve cores 102 d, 102 e of valves 100 d, 100 e includes fingers 218 d, 218 e which engage the valve seat carrier 200 d, 200 e. With regard to the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, wherein the valve seat carrier 200 d includes a ball 230 d which is received in a corresponding socket 232 d in the end 214 d of the valve core 102 d, in the closed position (the top view of FIG. 8), the fingers 218 d of the valve core 102 d are prevented from outward deflection by the valve body 108 d. This prevents pressure exerted by the compression spring 100 d from disengaging the ball 232 d of the valve seat carrier 200 d and allows the valve core 102 d to escape from the assembly. In the open position (the middle view of FIG. 8), the fingers 218 d of the valve core 102 d are free to deflect outward by the ball 232 d sufficiently to allow the ball 232 d of the valve seat carrier 200 d to be snapped into location and allow the valve seat carrier 200 d to pivot, i.e. have angular movement.

Each of the valves 100 a-100 e shown in FIGS. 3-9 provides that fewer components are within the fluid flow path, that flow rate is increased (when the valve is open), that there is a relatively unobstructed fluid flow path, and that there is less turbulence introduced into the flow. Additionally, each valve minimizes dead areas which can contribute to fluid entrapment, and each provides enhanced backpressure tolerance when the valve is in the closed position. Additionally, the valves are inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

Specifically, valves 100 a and 100 b provide that assembly can be performed solely through one end (i.e. end 114 a shown in FIG. 5) of the valve body 108 a, 108 b, as opposed to some components having to be installed through one end of the valve body and other components of the valve having to be installed through the other end of the valve body during the assembly process.

While embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the foregoing disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve having a fluid flow path therethrough and comprising: a valve body which includes a sealing surface; a valve core disposed in said valve body and having a central throughbore which defines a fluid flow area through said valve core; a self-aligning valve seat member pivotably engaged with said valve core, said self-aligning valve seat member including a sealing surface; and spring means engaged with said valve body and said valve core, said spring means not being disposed in the fluid flow path of said valve, said spring means biasing said valve core into a closed position wherein said sealing surface of said self-aligning valve seat member engages said sealing surface of said valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through said valve, said valve core being slidable generally within said valve body to an open position wherein said sealing surface of said self-aligning valve seat member disengages from said sealing surface of said valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through said valve.
 2. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said self-aligning valve seat member includes a hollow portion which allows fluid flow through the self-aligning valve seat member.
 3. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said self-aligning valve seat member includes a barb which engages said valve core.
 4. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said self-aligning valve seat member includes a ball which engages a corresponding socket on said valve core.
 5. A valve having a fluid flow path therethrough and comprising: a valve body which includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface; a valve core disposed in said valve body and having a central throughbore which defines a fluid flow area through said valve core; a sealing member disposed on said valve core and engaged with said first sealing surface of said valve body; a self-aligning valve seat member pivotably engaged with said valve core; a sealing member disposed on said self-aligning valve seat member; and spring means engaged with said valve body and said valve core, said spring means not being disposed in the fluid flow path of said valve, said spring means biasing said valve core into a closed position wherein said sealing member on said self-aligning valve seat member engages said second sealing surface of said valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through said valve, said valve core being slidable generally within said valve body to an open position wherein said sealing member on said self-aligning valve seat member disengages from said second sealing surface of said valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through said valve. 